Going Mobile with the Backbone One Xbox Controller: A Review with a Twist
Experimented a week employing Xbox mobile controller's Backbone strategy for emulating Master Chief parenting; encountered various obstacles detailed below.
In the world of gaming, the Backbone One Xbox mobile controller seemed like a promising piece of tech - except for its translucent design, which isn't my cup of tea. As a busy dad, I often find myself gaming on my phone while my little one hogs the TV. So, when I bought the PowerA MOGA gaming clip to mount my phone on an Xbox controller, I hoped for a more comfortable gaming experience.
Now, the Backbone One mobile controller promises a sleeker setup, but is it as comfortable as a traditional Xbox controller? Well, let's just say it comes with its fair share of pain points.
Backbone One Xbox Edition: $109 at backbone.comBut enough chit-chat, let's get straight to it. If you fancy the Backbone One, beware - Android and iPhone compatibility doesn't guarantee Pixel 6 compatibility. Yes, I have a Pixel 6 with that giant camera bump. As you can imagine, that bump makes it difficult for the Backbone One to secure my phone, resulting in a less-than-ideal fit that could potentially snap the Type-C cable under harsh movement.
On the bright side, the Backbone One does come with pads to secure your smartphone, both with and without a case. Unfortunately, neither worked perfectly for me.
When I have to put the Backbone One down to tend to my child, I feel the same hesitancy as when I put down my Xbox controller with my phone attached. I hoped this issue would be addressed, but I guess it's relatively exclusive to Pixel 6-8 models, which share the same camera bump as mine.
Comfort and Control - A Catch-22
When it comes to the layout of the Backbone One, I didn't have much to complain about until I started using it. The pause and menu buttons, for instance, are all the way at the bottom of the controller. In the heat of the game, reaching those buttons can be a bit of a challenge, especially when every second counts.
The d-pad, on the other hand, is prey to my biggest grievance - it's too closely aligned with the center of the analog stick. This forces me to unnaturally bend my thumb downwards to jump from the analog stick to the d-pad, which is not only uncomfortable but also slows me down in the game.
Gameplay and Performance - Missed Opportunities
In the world of competitive gaming, the Backbone One proved to be a letdown. The biggest issue was the analog sticks. They're smaller than the Nintendo Switch's, and the lack of room for subtle movements during gameplay makes it difficult to land critical shots in fast-paced titles.
I found myself missing targets that I would've nailed with a traditional Xbox controller. The small size of the analog sticks also contributes to reduced reaction time, making it challenging to keep up with the game's pace.
The Price Tag - Worth It?
At $109, the Backbone One isn't cheap. For that price, you could purchase an Xbox controller and an attachment for around $65. But if you're comfortable with the premium, you'll get a sleeker design and the Backbone One's very own app for game aggregation. Plus, there's even a headphone jack on the bottom of the left controller - yes, really!
However, to unlock the cooler features, you'll need to shell out an additional $40 a year. That's a potentially steep cost for a service that doesn't offer free access to all its features.
The Verdict - A Mixed Bag
Despite its shortcomings, the Backbone One does have some impressive features. The face buttons offer a solid click, and the triggers and bumpers feel decent for their size. For non-competitive or casual games, the Backbone One may work just fine.
The TouchSync feature is also a standout, allowing you to map recorded touch controls to buttons on the controller for a more convenient gaming experience. However, this key feature is locked behind a paywall, and that's a bit of a letdown.
Overall, the Backbone One Xbox mobile controller is a mixed bag. It offers some unique features, but it falls short when it comes to comfort and performance during competitive gameplay. As a dad juggling my gaming time with taking care of my little one, the bulky PowerA MOGA gaming clip still remains my go-to option for a more comfortable gaming experience.
PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip 2.0 for Xbox Controllers: $20 at TargetIf you don't mind the bulk, the PowerA MOGA gaming clip will provide a more comfortable gaming experience by letting you use your Xbox controller. But hey, it's hard to put down - literally.
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Alternatives for the Pixel 6 Owners
If you're on the hunt for mobile gaming controllers that work well with the Pixel 6 and offer a more comfortable gaming experience than the Backbone One, consider these alternatives:
- Razer Kishi Ultra: This controller offers an ergonomic design, customizable buttons, and a compact bridge that adjusts to fit different phone sizes.
- GameSir X2s: Lightweight and compact, the GameSir X2s allows for customization of the thumbsticks and D-pad.
- Scuf Nomad: With interchangeable thumbsticks and paddles, the Scuf Nomad offers a more console-like gaming experience.
- Asus ROG Tessen: The Asus ROG Tessen features a compact design and ergonomic grips, both of which help to make it comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
Each of these controllers has been designed to deliver an enhanced mobile gaming experience on devices like the Pixel 6, with features aimed at improving comfort and performance compared to the Backbone One. Plus, the Backbone Pro is another option to consider if you're open to a premium experience with advanced features like customizable back buttons and Bluetooth connectivity.
- The Backbone One's unique app provides game aggregation, a headphone jack, and even customizable buttons, but its small analog sticks and positioning of certain buttons could pose challenges during gameplay.
- For Pixel 6 owners, the Backbone One's compatibility issues with the smartphone's camera bump provide a less-than-ideal fit, potentially causing stress on the Type-C cable during movement.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and parenting, finding a comfortable, convenient solution for gaming on the go is essential, making the challenges posed by the Backbone One a significant concern for busy parents.
- The Backbone One's layout, while initially promising, falls short with the placement of pause and menu buttons, which are positioned at the controller's bottom and could be difficult to reach during intense gaming sessions.
- The gaming lifestyle often revolves around convenience, comfort, and performance, making the less-than-ideal design elements of the Backbone One a distinct letdown in the world of mobile gaming gadgets.
- In search of alternatives tailored to Pixel 6 owners, gaming enthusiasts may find controllers such as the Razer Kishi Ultra, GameSir X2s, Scuf Nomad, and Asus ROG Tessen to be more suitable options, offering enhanced comfort and performance for mobile gamers.
- The Backbone Pro is another premium alternative, boasting advanced features like customizable back buttons and Bluetooth connectivity, which could prove appealing to mobile gamers seeking a more refined experience.
